Certified Scrum Master® (CSM) Certification in Chicago

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Conduct a retrospective to list 3 techniques to improve the performance and turnaround time.
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master and a Product Owner.
• List 3 differences between a Scrum Master and a Product Owner and understand why these two roles should not overlap.
• Discuss how a product owner acts as a bridge between the development team and the stakeholders.
• Understand why a Scrum Master is not an active participant but a facilitator in the Scrum events and ceremonies.
• List 3 demerits of having a development team of less than 3 members or greater than 10 members.

Topics covered

• Scrum Master roles and challenges
• Product Owner roles and responsibilities
• Development team roles and responsibilities

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Explain the “why” and “how” of sprint planning, daily scrum, sprint review, and retrospective.
• Understand why the scope and duration of a sprint are fixed.
• List 3 ways to avoid sprint backlog spillover.
• Define sprint goals and discuss 5 benefits of having a sprint goal.
• Understand how the Scrum Master and the Product Owner should coordinate with the team and list 5 points to improve such communications.
• Discuss 3 damaging impacts of sprint cancellation and how to avoid it.
• List 10 sprint anti-patterns (E.g. sprint cancellation, variable sprint length) and understand how these impact the delivery and turnaround time.

Topics covered

• Sprint planning
• Daily Scrum
• Sprint Review
• Sprint Retrospective

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• List and demonstrate 5 salient features of a well-formed product backlog (E.g. estimated, prioritized).
• Discuss 2 responsibilities of the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and the Development team in creating and maintaining a product backlog.
• The objective of having a product backlog and best approaches to product backlog refinement.
• Analyze and discuss the ideal time and capacity to be dedicated to product backlog refinement.
• Demonstrate 3 activities (E.g. budget and timeline, release schedule) that take place during a sprint review.
• List 5 sprint review anti-patterns (E.g. delayed   acceptance) and their negative impacts

Topics covered

• Product Backlog
• Sprint Backlog
• Product Increment

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Explain the difference between resolution meetings and daily standups.
• Explain the benefits of collaborations with product owners.
• List 3 demerits of over collaboration of the product owners.
• Demonstrate 3 ways to break the barriers and collaborate
• Demonstrate creation of sprint burndown chart
• Explain 3 approaches to increase efficiency in the team

Topics covered

• Sprint Execution Planning
• Flow management
• Resolution meetings
• Communication (Taskboard, Sprint burndown chart using story points, hours effort)

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Explain the importance of 15-minute timebox for daily scrum meetings.
• List 3 differences between traditional meetings and daily stand-ups.
• Describe 2 roles played by the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and the Development team in daily scrum.
• List the 3 critical questions pertaining to the daily scrum agenda.
• List 2 responsibilities of the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and the Development team during the sprint retrospective.

Topics covered

• Activities in daily scrum
• Activities in sprint retrospective

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Explain Definition of Done at three levels ― user story (e.g. writing code), sprint, and release (e.g. preparing release notes).
• List 3 benefits of Definition of Done and explain why it can evolve over a certain period of time.
• Prepare a checklist (with a minimum of 7 entries) of an ideal DoD.
• Mention 3 risks associated with an ill-formed DoD.
• List 5 characteristics of good acceptance criteria.
• Understand who all should be involved in drafting the acceptance criteria.
• List 3 negative impacts of not following the acceptance criteria.

Topics covered

• Definition of Done for a feature (user story or product backlog item)
• Definition of Done for a sprint
• Definition of Done for a release
• Definition of Done vs. Acceptance criteria
• Done vs. Done-Done.

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Create an ultimate checklist of Definition of Done.
• List 3 negative impacts of an ill-formed Definition of Done.
• Identify at least 3 benefits of a shared Definition of Done for multiple teams working on the same product backlog.
• List 2 ways to improve Definition of Done.
• Clearly understand the differences between “done” and “done done”.

Topics covered

• Definition of Ready for user story
• Definition of Ready for sprint

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Define and understand the steps involved in release planning.
• List 3 benefits of a well-organized release planning.
• List 3 outputs of release planning.

Topics covered

• Definition of release planning
• Who takes part in release planning
• Steps in Release planning
• Output of Release Planning

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Define and understand sprint burndown chart.
• List 3 primary reasons to use a burndown chart.
• Learn how to create and calculate a burndown chart.
• Explain how to adjust upcoming sprints based on the burndown.
• List 3 critical information obtained from a burndown chart.
• List 5 merits and 2 demerits of using a burndown chart.
• Understand 5 common errors that lead to misleading information in burndown charts.

Topics covered

• Definition
• Why and when to use a sprint burndown chart
• Information obtained from sprint burndown chart

What you will learn

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Understand the importance of having a release goal (based on historical data and agreement).
• Demonstrate the importance of release burn-up in understanding the current status.
• List 2 differences between burndown and burn-up charts.
• Explain how to adjust release planning (if needed) based on the burn down.
• Tell one primary advantage of a burnup chart over a burndown chart.  

Topics covered

• Definition
• Features
• How to create a release burn-up chart (steps)

What you will learn 

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• Define and explain user stories and understand the importance of user stories in real-time projects.
• Explain the 3 Cs in user stories.
• Discuss the importance of acceptance criteria and list 3 scenarios that might arise when the acceptance criteria are not met.

Topics covered

• What are user stories?
• Structure/format of user stories
• INVEST criteria

What you will learn 

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• List and demonstrate 5 benefits of Agile estimation.
• Understand the 7 popular Agile estimation techniques and decide which one is the best for your project.
• Discuss 3 benefits of Relative Estimation and Planning Poker.
• List and explain 3 common mistakes made while using Relative Estimation and their negative impacts.
• Discuss in detail the 5 critical steps in Planning Poker. 

Topics covered

• Definition
• Benefits of Agile Estimation
• Agile estimation techniques

What you will learn 

At the end of this activity, you will be able to-

• List 5 benefits of planning poker estimation technique.
• Decide the best sequence for the values (story points) on cards for your real-time projects.
• Discuss in detail the 5 critical steps in Planning Poker. 
• List 3 points to heed for employing planning poker for distributed teams.

Topics covered

• Definition
• Benefits
• Participants
• How to play planning poker
• Planning Poker rules

The following professionals can go for this certified scrum master course:

After completing this CSM Certification Training, you should be able to:

There is no set of eligibility requirements to attend this ScrumMaster Certification course and it can be taken by any professional who wants to deepen their understanding of Scrum.

The recommended system requirements for this scrum master course are:

The process of becoming a Certified ScrumMaster® can be explained in the following steps:

Step 1: Choose a CSM training provider authorized by Scrum Alliance.

Step 2: Enrol for a two-day CSM® course and get trained by Certified Scrum Trainers® (CSTs).

Step 3: After successful completion of the scrum master course online, our Certified Scrum Trainer (CST®) will send your details to the Scrum Alliance. Scrum Alliance will send you an email that contains the Scrum Alliance account and access details for your CSM® exam. 

Step 4: Click on the link received from the Scrum Alliance and create your own login credentials.

Step 5: Log in to take the online CSM® test. The exam consists of 50 MCQs and a time limit of 60 minutes (1 hour).

Step 6: You need to answer 37 questions correctly and score 74% to pass the CSM® test.

Note: The CSM® exam is easy to crack if you prepare from the Scrum Guide, Scrum Primer, and take the CSM® mock tests.

Step 7: Once you pass the test with the minimum passing score, accept the license agreement.

Step 8: After accepting it, you will receive Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) certification and a 2-year membership from Scrum Alliance. 

Step 9: You can maintain your CSM® certification by renewing it once in two years.

Obtaining a Scrum Master Certification is a valuable step towards advancing your career in the field of Agile project management. With its focus on the Scrum framework and its applications, this certification equips professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as Scrum Masters. Beyond the acquisition of theoretical concepts, Scrum Master Certification offers a range of practical benefits that can positively impact your career trajectory:

1. Knowledge and Skills: The certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively use the Scrum framework, thus improving your ability to manage complex projects and lead Agile teams.
2. Career Opportunities: Many organizations, especially in the technology and software sectors, highly value Scrum Master certification, and it can open up new job opportunities or advancement in your current role.
3. Increased Salary: Certified professionals often command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts due to their validated expertise in the field.
4. Professional Credibility: Being certified enhances your credibility as a Scrum professional and signifies your commitment to professional growth and learning.
5. Networking Opportunities: Becoming certified also provides you with access to resources and communities of Scrum professionals, thereby facilitating networking and learning opportunities.

Embracing the Scrum Master Certification can significantly contribute to your success as a Scrum professional and advance your career in the dynamic field of Agile project management.

Yes, becoming a Scrum Master can be a good career option for those who are interested in Agile project management, and have the right set of skills and personality traits. Here are a few reasons why:

1. High demand: Scrum Masters are in high demand, as more and more organizations are adopting Agile methodologies to manage their projects.
2. Competitive salaries: The demand for Scrum Masters has driven up salaries in recent years, and experienced Scrum Masters can earn a very competitive salary.
3. Growing field: Agile project management is a rapidly growing field, which means that there are many opportunities for Scrum Masters to advance their careers and take on new challenges.
4. Continuous learning: Scrum Masters are expected to continue learning and growing throughout their careers, which means that the job is never stagnant and there are always opportunities for personal and professional development.
5. Work-life balance: Many Scrum Masters work in a flexible, collaborative environment, with a focus on work-life balance.

In 2023, professionals seeking Scrum Master certifications may consider the following recommended options:

1. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) by Scrum Alliance: This certification is widely recognized and provides a solid foundation in Scrum practices and principles.
2. Professional Scrum Master (PSM) by Scrum.org: This certification offers a series of assessments at different levels (PSM I, PSM II, PSM III) to demonstrate proficiency and expertise in Scrum.
3. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) by Scrum Alliance: This advanced-level certification is suitable for Scrum Masters looking to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of Scrum.
4. SAFe Scrum Master by Scaled Agile: If you work in an organization using the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), this certification can provide valuable knowledge and skills specific to that context.

It's important to consider your specific career goals, industry, and the methodologies used in your organization when selecting a Scrum Master certification. 

To foster career growth, we encourage you to expand your learning beyond the Certified ScrumMaster® and CSM certification. You can explore additional Agile certifications that offer diverse perspectives on your current role, allowing you to become an expert in the field. 

Having a "2-year membership with Scrum Alliance" comes with several perks and benefits. Some of the advantages include:

1. Access to Community: You gain access to a vibrant and supportive community of Scrum professionals, including other certified practitioners, trainers, and coaches. This community provides networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
2. Professional Development: The membership offers opportunities for continuous professional development through webinars, workshops, and conferences organized by Scrum Alliance. These resources can enhance your skills and keep you up-to-date with the latest trends and practices in Agile and Scrum.
3. Exclusive Resources: As a member, you can access exclusive resources, articles, case studies, and whitepapers related to Scrum and Agile practices. These resources can deepen your understanding and support your professional growth.
4. Discounts and Offers: Scrum Alliance members often enjoy discounts on certification renewals, additional courses, events, and conferences. These discounts can help you save money and further invest in your professional development.
5. Recognition and Profile: Being a member of Scrum Alliance enhances your professional credibility and visibility in the Scrum community. It demonstrates your commitment to Agile practices and distinguishes you as a knowledgeable practitioner.

A certified Scrum Master has several key responsibilities, including:

1. Facilitating Scrum processes: The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the Scrum framework is understood and followed by the team. They facilitate Scrum ceremonies, such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
2. Guiding the team: The Scrum Master guides and coaches the development team, helping them understand and apply Agile principles. They assist in self-organization, collaboration, and making decisions collectively.
3. Removing obstacles: The Scrum Master identifies and resolves any impediments or obstacles that may hinder the team's progress. They act as a buffer between the team and any external distractions or interruptions.
4. Promoting communication: The Scrum Master fosters effective communication within the team and with stakeholders. They ensure transparency by providing visibility into the project's progress, facilitating information sharing, and promoting a culture of openness.
5. Supporting the product owner: The Scrum Master collaborates with the product owner to prioritize and manage the product backlog. They help the product owner understand and practice effective backlog refinement and ensure the team has a clear understanding of the product vision and requirements.
6. Continuous improvement: The Scrum Master facilitates continuous improvement by encouraging the team to reflect on their processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes accordingly. They promote a culture of learning, adaptability, and experimentation.

Overall, the certified Scrum Master serves as a servant leader, guiding the team towards successful project delivery while fostering collaboration, self-organization, and continuous improvement.

Our experienced and highly qualified trainers deliver practical and interactive CSM training program with accurate, clear, and updated materials to help you understand the concepts clearly and pass your CSM exam without much difficulty.

Yes. The Scrum Alliance allows you to take the Scrum Master exam at no cost for the first 2 attempts within 90 days after you receive your welcome email. You will be charged a minimum of $25 each from the third attempt or after completing your 90 days. Scrum Alliance suggests retaking the CSM course if you have failed thrice in the exam.

There are numerous other courses including the PSM Course, CSPO Course, PMP Course, Prince2 Course, and more.

This will include registrant application to any of our CSM education partner scheduled public classes, and where the registrant has already paid for the class. The below T&C would not apply to registrants signing up by way of a Purchase Order. All cancellations and reschedules must be notified over email.

A) CANCELLATIONS / RESCHEDULES BY CUSTOMER

• Cancellations received within 24 hours of registration would be offered a full refund.
• Cancellations received less than 10 days to the training would not be offered a refund. As a courtesy, we could allow you to apply 50% of your payment towards a future training program within one year of the cancellation date.
• Cancellations 1-3 days prior to class and no-shows would not be offered a refund and the amount would not be credited to a future training.
• Reschedules received greater than 15 days to the class would be credited to a future training date.
• Reschedules received less than 10 days would be credited to a future training but with 10% (of standard fee) reschedule charge.
• Registrant substitutions may be made at any time.
• Please note that if you do not cancel or do not attend, you would not be offered a refund nor will the amount be credited to a future training.

B) CANCELLATIONS / RESCHEDULES BY OUR EDUCATION PARTNER

• Our CSM education partner reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a class at any time, including but not limited to, insufficient registrations, classroom or trainer unavailability, or if the trainer could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Our CSM education partner is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or special damages that may be incurred due to a cancellation of a scheduled class, including, but not limited to cancellation penalties owing to transportation or accommodation arrangements.
• Registrants would not be charged for the training and would be offered full credit to a future workshop or full refund as per the wish of the registrant.

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification opens the door to many of the highest-paying jobs. It helps you get over the risk of unstable careers. If you are Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certified, there are a number of job roles that you can apply for. Here are the top 4 job roles based on your Certified Scrum Master Certification:

• Scrum Master
• Scrum Master Manager
• Scrum Product Owner
• Project Management Officer 
• Agile Coach

Please visit the page that will guide you through the top 50 Scrum Master Interview Questions